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A novel bioreactor for the biodegradation of inhibitory aromatic solvents: Experimental results and mathematical analysis
Author(s) -
Choi YongBok,
Lee JangYoung,
Kim HakSung
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260401115
Subject(s) - biodegradation , toluene , bioreactor , benzene , effluent , chemistry , solvent , aeration , chromatography , chemical engineering , organic chemistry , environmental engineering , environmental science , engineering
Abstract A novel bioreactor for the biodegradation of toxic aromatic solvents, such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes in liquid effluent stream, was developed. Silicon tubing was immersed in the completely mixed and aerated bioreactor, and liquid toluene as a model solvent was circulated within the tubing. Toluene diffused out of the tube wall and was transferred at high rate into the culture broth, where biodegradation occurred. The effect of operating parameters on the toluene transfer rate was investigated. During continuous operation, the biodegradation rate was considerably higher than those obtained using conventional methods. A mathematical model was established for continuous biodegradation, and simulation results coincided with the experimental results. The performance and operational criteria of the bioreactor were analyzed on the basis of both the experimental and simulation results. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.